The Philharmonic presents 45-minute "Koncerts for Kids" annually for the Plymouth Canton School District for approximately 1,040 fourth grade students. The program has now expanded to include the Wayne Westland and Van Buren School Districts.

The featured piece is Andre Myers' work, Paddle to the Sea, based on the 4th grade curriculum's literature and social studies book by H.C. Holling and commissioned by the Philharmonic in 2004 specifically for these performances. This piece is a twelve- minute narrated work, with text taken from the book, and composed with the input of numerous fourth grade classrooms. The composer also serves as narrator during the performance and discusses the composition process with the young audience. The musical program is designed to engage a younger audience. At the concert students will learn about different instrument families, composers, the composition process, and conducting (including a "conduct along").

The concert also features a performance by members of the Michigan Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. Each year students audition for the Vivaldi Competition, the winners of which have the opportunity to play a concerto movement by Antonio Vivaldi with the Michigan Philharmonic.